Zero Carbon Hub at Ecobuild. London, 4-6 March 2014

Posted on: 11 March 2014
By: mackene
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Presentations from the Zero Carbon Hub, presented at Ecobuild 2014, are available online. They include: Bringing design and operational performance together in new homes; Mitigating overheating in dwellings; Selecting and designing low carbon heat systems; Near-zero domestic buildings; Design vs as-built evidence review; Delivering low energy homes.

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Finland’s energy efficiency boom good for the climate, but trouble for cities

Posted on: 7 March 2014
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The author of this blog argues that while green buildings are increasing in Finland, their developers seem to be unable to integrate concepts in environmental sustainability and urban livability. To illustrate his concerns, the author  looked up some landmark initiatives for energy-efficient construction in the greater Helsinki area and photographed them.

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The Future of the Energy Company Obligation

Posted on: 6 March 2014
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The Government has launched a consultation exercise on changes the Energy Company Oblication (ECO). The proposals contained in consultation were highlighted as part of Government’s announcement on 2 December 2013 to reduce pressures on consumer bills and ensure ECO provides value for money for energy consumers; whilst continuing to help tackle fuel poverty, support the development of a sustainable energy efficiency supply chain and improve the energy efficiency of our housing stock. The key proposals include the extension of the scheme to 2017, modifying the eligibility criteria for Carbon Saving Communities Obligation (CSCO) and allowable primary measures under Carbon Emissions Reduction Obligation (CERO) to ensure it is easier and cheaper to deliver, and to reduce the 2015 CERO obligation by 33 per cent. Other changes to the ECO include proposals to make ECO easier to administer, easier for customers to understand, and easier to access in rural and off-grid areas.

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The Green Construction Board: Two years on report

Posted on: 28 February 2014
By: mackene
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The Green Construction Board (GCB) was established in October 2011 as a consultative forum for government and the UK design, construction, property and infrastructure industry. It was established to ensure a sustained high-level conversation and to develop and implement a long-term strategic framework for the promotion of innovation and sustainable growth in this sector. In the shorter term, its key priority is to provide improved focus, direction and clarity to the business and growth opportunities which are being created by the shift to a green economy. This second annual report sets out the progress the Board, through its working groups, has made over the last twelve months.

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Building zero carbon: The case for action

Posted on: 27 February 2014
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A report issued by the UK Green Building Council Task Group  believes there is a very strong economic case for establishing a robust definition of zero carbon for non-domestic buildings as soon as possible. The industry stands ready to invest in innovation and skills to meet higher standards, but the lack of detail on policy implementation means that current efforts are fragmented and disparate, creating inefficiencies and the loss of global export opportunities. The Group urges Government to restate its commitment to the 2019 target and set out a clear and ambitious definition of zero carbon. Register to view the document.

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Balancing the bills

Posted on: 13 February 2014
By: mackene
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The greenest new homes cost more to build but much less to run. The author of this article examines the case for increasing rents to help pay for them.

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Cost analysis: Meeting the zero carbon standard

Posted on: 10 February 2014
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New analysis produced by Sweett Group for the Zero Carbon Hub shows that the additional costs associated with building to the proposed Zero Carbon Standard have declined significantly since 2011, and are expected to continue to fall as we approach 2020.

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Efficient roofs for efficient buildings: Building blocks for energy efficient cities in India

Posted on: 30 January 2014
By: mackene
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The author of this blog works on climate change focusing on cities and energy efficiency in India.

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Green roofs in Toronto

Posted on: 28 January 2014
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Toronto is the first North American city to have a by-law that requires the construction, and delivers standards for green roofs on new developments. The by-law, adopted by the Toronto City Council in 2009, applies to new commercial, institutional, industrial and residential developments with a minimum floor area of 2,000 meters squared, requiring a portion of the roof to be green.

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URBACT Project results

Posted on: 2 January 2014
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Nine thematic networks from the second URBACTcall for proposals have completed their programme of exchange and learning activities in 2013.This second issue of the URBACT publication presents the results and main recommendations of these networks which have been been working for three years looking for joint, effective and sustainable solutions to major urban challenges. Issues covered include: sustainable and affordable energy efficient housing; improving the attractiveness and quality of life in old historical centres; socio-economic methods for urban rehabilitation of deprived urban areas; and electric vehicles in urban Europe.

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